Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1887-09-02
Shenandoah Valley s. s. Assembly.

/
Mr.. EDITOR Il saw in your paper OF
August 10Th some statements concerning
the above named Assembly that were an
injustice to the Institution. | decided to
let them pass silently. but since your issue
of August 26th, con tanning a commnnica-
ton which is an Intentional Islander, |
would not DO true to the cause of truth
and righteousness, if remained silent.
Your correspondent writes very much
like some preacher selfish enough to try
to ignore any institution for the develop
ment Of the people, uni ess it be of his own
sect, and, alas found his church empty
on Sunday, and who instead of improv-
ing the opportunities and returning to his
people with fresh, interesting thoughts,
only returns In the same old routine, and
yet, is astonished to see the interest in his
work on the decline, as he admits IN his
statement.
In his fever Of excitement he misses the
truth and makes base misrepresentation.
He speaks Of bad characters present to en-
tice the innocent INTO participation of
their deeds of sin and shame. "Iirds OF
feather will flock together He and
his informants must have been seeking
associations of their own kind, or they
never would have discovered so much that
was vile. The policeman, who is thor
oughiy reliable, nd who has been present
at many of the most important religious
gatherings in the Valley, says he never
saw a more quiet, orderly gathering OF
such proportions, and in this statement.
he is supported by many of the best citi-
zens in this county.
He even says dry goods and whiskey
could be had on the ground. When we
tako into consideration tho fact that no
stronger influence against strong drink
Ii as over been cxerted in this county than
that exerted by the Assembly, man
who knows these things, as your cores
poudent certainly does, cannot speak OF
them as he does with pare motives, and If
he knows to be true what he says through
the press, the next grand jury should de-
mand that he tell who furnished the
whiskey and give the managers a chance
TO prosecute them. In his assault on the
Assembly he is too cowardly to give his
name, but the editor knows, and there is
way of getting his testimony. The state
mcnt about dry goods is far fetched and
unjust Every member of the Assembly
Association has always been opposed to
the selling on Sunday Of tobacco, confec-
toneries, lemonade and soda water. They
have in the past yielded to the demands
Of the public for peace sake, but hereafter
the sale of these things on Sunday will be
prohibited, and we call on all who have 30
severely criticized the managers about
this matter to prove the honesty Of their
motives by using their influence to help
carry ont these plans; and as the b. & o.
K. X. c. have run Sunday excursion trains
since the Association protested against it,
we hope they will do so no more.
Your correspondent ignores the social
element-a part of the makeup Of every
gentleman and lady-piety does not ig-
more the social element, and, If properly
provided for, will contribute to the i'm
provement Of community, morally and
spiritually. lie would prevent all large as
sembles, can't trust many people in COM
pany, as though tho ungodly in a compa-
ny, largely made up of gentlemen and la
dies, were not under more restraint than
they are in their usual surroundings where
their victims have little or no protection.
lie misrepresents the use of the band
The band was not in the stand among the
choir, neither did the band furnish the
music next preceding the prayer, as stated.
Their music was all before the service
proper commenced, and after the benedc-
ton, and the people present will bear more
favorable testimony 10 the character Of
their music than your correspondent. /
am in no way responsible for employing
the band, yet propose 10 do them no in
justice. He intimates very strongly that
bands are too vile to be associated with
anything good-an Insult to all bands.
The intelligent people of the Valley
will not ignore such valuable institution
as the Shenandoah Valley S. s. Assembly
that brings so many opportunities for
moral and mental improvement into our
midst /. NJ. UNDERWOOD.
Edinburg, Va. Aug. 30, lss7.